Myths concerning Minority

status for Jainism clarified

Having debunked the myth that Jainism is part of Hinduism, (See previous articles) now we shall take up the issue of minority status for Jainism as the next issue. Once again certain fringe elements have propagated some myths regarding this issue.

Myth # 1 – Jain Community is rich and powerful facing no threat. Hence there is no need to obtain minority status, which will not accrue any benefits.

The Truth – Readers are suggested to go through this link which shows the benefits that are likely to accrue by obtaining the minority status for Jains.

Why we want a minority status ?

(http://jainperceptions.blogspot.com/2007/02/why-we-want-minority-status-it-is.html)

Myth # 2 – Minority status for Jainism is unpatriotic and will undermine the unity of India and Hindus.

The Truth – Minority Status is a constitutional right conferred by the Indian Constitution. Hence there is nothing illegal or unpatriotic about claiming the minority status for Jains. Jains (or for that matter any minorities) are as patriotic about India as anybody. Jain scriptures mention faithfulness to the King (Nation in modern context) as one of the essential virtue. Jains have contributed to India and its culture more in proportion to their numerical strength. The Right-wing fundamentalists have a perverted view of Patriotism i.e. adherence to their ideology only. Anyone not falling within their ideological parameters is branded as unpatriotic. This is similar to the Hitler’s version of patriotism by equating it to Nazism. We need to guard against such false propagandas.

Myth # 3 – Advocating Minority status and claiming that Jains are different from Hindus is motivated by hatred towards Hinduism.

The Truth – This is a deliberate attempt by some fundamantalists to link the issue of seperate identity of Jains with anti-Hinduism. This issue has also been linked to Patriotism, division of society, discipline etc. This is a blatant attempt to emotionally blackmail the Jain community, with a sinister agenda.

Hence it is necessary to clarify the stand of Jains unequivocally -

• Jains are not against Hindus nor Hinduism.
• Jains are not against Hindu Gods or Hindu Texts.

In fact Jains have a great respect for their Hindu friends. While interacting with our Hindu friends, we have never felt that we are talking to someone different. In fact all of my dear Hindu friends to whom I have explained this issue, respected and understood my position. They have come to appreciate Jainism and its philosophy in much better way. Rather than creating division it has resulted in proper bonding and mutual respect.

Myth # 4 – Indian Constitution does not define the word “minority”.

The Truth – This is a ploy to divert the issue. Following are the facts of Indian Constitution and its references to Minorities:-

• One of the underlying principles of the Constitution were laid down by Jawaharlal Nehru in his Objectives Resolution : “The minorities, backward and tribal areas, depressed and other backward classes, shall be provided adequate safeguards” ;
• According to Gandhiji, the claim of a country to civilization depends on the treatment it extends to the minorities
• The Chairman of the Minorities Committee for Indian Constitution was Harendra Coomar Mookerjee.
• Minority Rights flow from Articles 14,15,19(1)(2) 21, & 26 (a).
• Article 29 of the Indian Constitution ` any Section of Indian Citizens having a distinctive language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same'
• Article 30 Clause 1 - that all minorities, whether religious or linguistic shall have the right to establish and administer Educational Institutions of their choice.
• Article 350 A: Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage and Article 350 B: Provision for a Special officer for linguistic minorities.

Secondly, Supreme Court has laid down, what defines minority in following cases:-

• S.R. Das C.J., suggesting the techniques of arithmetic tabulation, held that the minority means a "community, which is numerically less than 50 percent" of the total population.
• This statistical criterion prevail with the Kerela High Court also which, in A.M.Patroni v. Kesavan , defined minority to mean the same thing as it meant to the Supreme Court.
• D. A. V. College v. State Of Punjab , it was observed that, a linguistic minority for the purpose of art. 30(1) is one which must at least have a separate spoken language.

On the basis it can be seen that courts in various judgment have clearly defined the word minority.

Thirdly, the Government as well as the Parliament have recognised the rights of Minorities thru the following:-

• Establishing National Commission for Minorities through National Commission for Minorities Act 1992
• Establishing National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
• Establishing special programme known as 'Prime Minister's 15 Points Programme for Minorities' since 1993.

Thus it can be seen that Indian Constitution has ample references w.r.t. minorities. The fact that Indian constitution does not define that specific word does not mean that the word does not exists. Indian constitution also does not define the word - "Justice" , "equality" although it is mentioned many times. Does that mean that Justice and equality is not part of India???
As far as the issues of Minorities and difference from Hinduism are concerned, both are related and in the spirit of Article 29 i.e. "any Section of Indian Citizens having a distinctive language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same"

Myth # 5 – Jains are not united. Let Jains unite first and then talk of minority status.

The Truth – This is an old argument used to deny the rights of others. Unity or disunity - diversity of views is a fact of life - we will deal with it our way. No one can try to steal our identity on the plea that - "first you unite, then we will give you your rights.” This same ploy was used by British. They denied Independence for India on the plea of disunity between Hindus and Muslim. But that did not deter Gandhiji to give a clarion call of "Do or Die" asking the British categorically to "leave India to Gods and its fate."

To those who are playing unity card, please answer these questions first:-

1) How will one achieve unity within Jains when there is no clarity as to who is a Jain and who is not ?

2) How will one achieve unity when one is unable to define a distinct identity for Jainism ?

3) How will one achieve unity when you claim Jainism is a sect/ offshoot of Hinduism ? If so, Swetambers and Digambers might as well be sects of Hinduism. Then where is the question of unity between sects ?

By the same logic, to achieve unity between Swetambers and Digambers, you will say first let Swetambers achieve between themselves - Sthanakvasis and Derawasis should unite first. Same with Terapanth and Bisapanth for Digambers. Then there would be a problem of unity of sampradays in the sub-sects. Then there would be problem of unity between various Gurus. This is an endless problem and at the end of the day, we would be achieving nothing.

Hinduism prides itself in diversity - 33 crores deva's, dozens of sects, hundreds of sub-sects, thousands of Gurus - and still it can call itself a dharma and a way of life. Same goes for Christainity - Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Syrian, born-again, Jesuits etc etc - and still it can call itself a religion. Same goes for Islam.

Then why not Jainism ? Why is its right to exists as a religion snatched in Gujarat? That too by an unconstitutional silly law?

We will grapple the problem of unity, but the need of the hour is to save Jainism. If Jainism itself does not exist what problem of unity we will resolve?

Yes, it would have been great that if all were to speak up in one voice - for Jainism as a separate religion as well as for minority status. But if some sections of Jains are not with us, this cannot be an argument to snatch our rights. Are we to accept division of our beloved motherland because of some people want a separate homeland (Kashmiris and Notheast)? Can some say that you don't deserve to be a nation because you are a disunited lot? Maybe then tomorrow UN will kick us out of membership because of a few separatists. Can we take this lying down?

Then how do we accept this with our dear Jainism? It is indeed shameful that some are mere silent spectators. But this cannot discredit someone who is fighting for our rights.

Jai Jinendra

Anish Shah

Myths concerning Jainism and Hinduism clarified

At the outset let me clarify that there is no intention to belittle or discredit any religion or philosophy. Neither any religion nor any groups are targeted in this article. Further we have no quarrel with our dear Hindu brothers with whom Jains share a special relationship. However, certain myths are being propagated by various people questioning the very independent existence of Jainism by claiming it as an offshoot of Hinduism. This is undermining the very existence of Jainism. These people are:-

1. Misinformed Jains themselves who are not aware of the glorious history of Jains and hence are easily misguided by false propaganda.
2. Certain Jains although knowing the truth, willfully remain silent on account of political ambitions or business connections or are out to project a “broad-minded” public image of themselves. Some of them are simply cowards afraid to come out with the truth.
3. Misinformed non-Jains like Hindus, Christians, and Westerners who do not have adequate knowledge of Jainism.
4. Hardcore right-wingers (also includes some Jains) who are out to homogenize the entire Indian society and see rise of Jainism as a separate religion having a minority status as a threat to their ideology.

Following strategy needs to be employed in dealing with these people:-

1. Majority of the people come in category 1 and 3. They are open-minded and once the truth is explained to them, they have a great respect for Jainism. Hence these people need to be educated.
2. The People specified in category 2 sway wherever the political wind is blowing. They hold dual views and articulate the same as per the circumstances and exigency.
3. The fourth category consists of hard core people who are blinded by ideology. It makes them condone and praise the assassins of the Mahatma while blinds them to the dangers faced by the nation. Hence they need to be continuously countered and refuted at all forums and occasions.

Such people, depending on their motivations, have given rise to various myths and falsehoods, which are analyzed and countered below:-

Myth # 1 – Jainism was founded by Mahavira Swami.

The Truth : Jainism is an ancient religion that pre-dates lord Mahavira. Herman Kuhn an Indologist and translator of Tattvarthasutra says – “There exists evidence of twenty four enlightened teachers who taught identical knowledge at much earlier times.” According to Britannica Encyclopedia, Lord Parshvanatha, 23^rd Jaina Tirthankara was a Historical figure who flourished in 8^th Century BCE. (Ref : http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9374627 )

From the Buddhist and Jain records, it is clear that Jainism is older than Buddhism and was firmly established at the time of the origin of Buddhism. In the Samannaphala Sutta of the Dighanikaya, there is a reference to the four vows (Chaturyama Dharma) of Parshvanatha. Lord Neminath (22^nd Tirthankar) and Lord Rushabh Nath (1^st Tirthankar) are mentioned in various Vedas and Hindu Puranas. This proves that Mahavir Swami was a reformer and reviver of already existing Shraman traditions.

Myth # 2 – Jainism is a reactionary sect founded as a revolt against the Vedas and Brahminism.

The Truth : Jainism was (and is) against violence (e.g. vedic sacrifices) and casteism. There was no question of it being reactionary or revolt as vedic and shraman cultures had co-existed since ages. In fact Jain history suggests that Jainism was already an established religion when the vedic practices came into being. Furthermore, other ekantvadi i.e. one-sided philosophies are easily accommodated under Jaina multi-faceted philosophy of “Anekantavada.”

Myth # 3 – Jains are basically Hindus who have adopted a Jain way of Worship.

The Truth – The Worship is just a small part of Jaina philosophy. It is much more than way of worship, namely :-

• it has its own Gods worthy of worship - Tirthankars,
• separate set of rituals different from Hindus for e.g. Jains don’t believe in ritual of shraddh for ancestors,
• it has a totally different shastras and agamas.

The philosophy of worship i.e. bhakti is also different. Bhakti in Hinduism believes in surrender to some higher entity, while bhakti in Jainism is merely instrumental in self-realisation. Emphasis is more on securing samyaktva i.e. rationality rather than ritualistic worship.

Myth # 4 – Jainism can be accommodated under the umbrella of Hinduism because Hinduism is a general religion and Jainism is a specific religion. Sanatan Dharma is a way of life and synonymous with Indian culture.

The Truth – There is no such thing as a general or specific religion. The word "Hindu" belongs to the category of words like "Muslim", "Christian", "Buddhist" and "Jain" and not to the category of words like "American", "British", "Indian", "Chinese" or "Japanese". Surprisingly, when Hinduism is compared with Islam or Christianity, it becomes a religion; but when it is compared with Jainism, it becomes “A way of Life", "Culture" and "Synonymous with Indianess" etc. What is to be realised is that, Hinduism is a religion based on the Vedic tradition, while Jainism and Buddhism are separate religions based on Sramanic tradition. Both of these traditions have co-existed side by side, influencing each other, and thus creating a great ancient Indian culture. Just as Hindus believe that theirs is a Sanatan Dharma, Jains believe that Jainism predates Lord Mahavira to Lord Rishabhdeva, the founder of not only Jainism, but entire human civilization.

Myth # 6 – Because of same culture, heritage, history, customs and land Jainism and Hinduism cannot be distinct from each other.

The Truth - Cultural similarity, linguistic similarity etc. does not discount the uniqueness and distinctness of a religion! Religion is philosophy based. Not based on ethnicity or a shared culture. Sure Jains have lots in common with Hindus. Jews, Christians and Muslims have lots in common too. They have a common cultural heritage, common linguistic group, common mythology, common prophets and a historical acceptance of each other's holy books. These three are Kitabi religions. They believe that God sent down three books, i.e. the Old Testament (Jews), the New Testament (Christians) and the Qu'ran (Muslims). But the Jews do not claim that Christians are Muslims are all Jews! If one were to think that Hindu and Indian mean one and same, then it is quite possible to say that Roman Catholic and Italian mean one and the same and Protestant and English mean one and the same.

Myth # 7 – Jainism has a better chance of survival within Hinduism rather than outside.

The Truth : As long as Jainism was clubbed with Hinduism, it got a raw deal having no separate recognition amongst the scholars. Also despite of general doctrinal tolerance in the Hindu tradition, history shows instances of persecution against Jains such as in Tamil Nadu in the 7th century, AD when Hindu Shaiva poets and teachers popularized the notion of Jains (or Samanars in Tamil) as villains opposed to the Shaiva creed. Hindu Saints like Adi Shankaracharya and Swami Dyayanand Saraswati led vitriolic attacks against Jain philosophy. Many Jain temples were destroyed and Jains killed.
Today, a concern of modern Jains in post-independence India has been the preservation of ancient pilgrimage sites and holy shrines which in recent decades have come under pressure from certain fundamentalist groups - in the case of Girnarji, Hindu devotees of the deity Dattatreya. Bhagavan Neminatha's charana were established at Girnarji for many thousands of years. Now, Hindus have taken over the 5th and the 3rd hill, thus wiping out extremely important Jain heritage from Gujarat

If Jainism is indeed a part of Hinduism, then :-

1. Why is Jain Navkar Mantra not a part of the list of Hindu Prayers ?
2. Why is Mahavir Swami and other Jain Thirthankars not accepted as their Gods ?
3. Why is Parvyushan and Mahavir Jayanti not celebrated as festivals by Hindus?
4. Why are Jain sacred books not given equal status as Gita ? When you accept various version of Ramayana, then why not accept Jain version of Ramayana also?
5. Why is contribution of Jain saints from Gautam Swami to Hemchandra Acharya ignored by Hindus and not accepted as their saints?
6. Why subvert the actual History in the text books - that Chandragupta Maurya was a Jain. The Major Kings of that time were Jains or gave patronage to Jainism. But this is never mentiond in our History books. The likes of Murli Manohar Joshi have been tampering with history since Independence.

Jainism and its contribution to India is routinely ignored by all. The simple fact is that those Hindus who are claiming that Jains are part of Hinduism have no respect for Jainism and its ideals. Unless Jainism maintains its separate identity it is likely to be wiped out after a few generations. Hence there is a great danger and threat to this religion as long as it is considered as a part of Hinduism.

Myth # 8 – Many Jains believe in Kuldevi’s, visit Hindu Temples, pray to Ganesha and celebrate Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali. This proves that Jainism is a sect of Hindusim.

The Truth – Concept of Kuldevis and praying to Gods like Ganesha who are not vitraag is not in conformity of Jain Philosophy. According to Jainism these deities have attachment and passions. Those Jains who worship them are doing it on their own accord and not according to instructions from Jain Scriptures or Jain Gurus. Now if a Hindu goes to Haji Ali Dargha for prayer or a Church, does it mean that Hinduism is a part of Islam or Christianity?

Jains celebrate Indian festivals along with Hindu neighbors on account of traditions and shared culture. Festivals like Diwali which is celebrated as Mahavira nirvana day have a different significance for Jains. Broad mindness of Jains should not be construed as a sign of weakness.

Myth # 9 – Jain Puranas mention stories of Rama and Krishna, who are Hindu Gods.

The Truth – Jain have their own version of Ramayana and Mahabharata based on Jain philosophy. According to Jain puranas, Rama and Lakshmana were the 8th Baldev (or Balbhadra) and Vasudev(or Narayana) and Balarama and Krishna were 9th Baldev and Vasudev. Rama and Krishna are not Avatar’s of Vishnu as per Jainism. Just as Hindus believe their version, Jains believe this version to be true.

This similarity of characters can be seen in other religions like Judaism, Christianity and Islam also. According to the Principal book the Jews, Tenakh God's name is Jahveh and the Name of prophet Moses i.e Hazrat Musa. The Principal books of Christianity are the Old & the New Testaments where God's name is Jehovah and the prophet is Jesus i.e Hazrat Eisa. The Principal book Islam is the Qur'an where the God's name is Allah and the Prophet is Mohammed i.e Hazrat Mohammed. Islam considers both Hazrat Musa and Hazrat Eisa as prophets of God but considers Hazrat Mohammed to be the final prophet and the Qur'an to be the final word of God. Many of the characters occurring in their holy books are the same. So, why don't we consider these religions to be one?

Myth # 10 – The principles of truth, non-violence, moksha are the same for both Hindus and Jains.

The Truth – Other philosophies including Hinduism, believe their truth to be absolute. As per Anekantvad in Jainism the truth is relative and multisided. Non-violence in Jainism is ultimate – it encompasses even the minutest life forms. On the other hand in Hinduism, it is restricted to vegetarianism (that too under some castes) and cow protection. Concept of God is also different. Unlike Hinduism, Jainism does not believe God to be Creator, Operator and Destructor of Universe. Thus it can be seen that same terms connote different meanings in Hinduism and Jainism.

Myth # 11 – Marriage alliances between Hindus and Jains are common indicating that there is no difference between the two.

The Truth – In India, the caste and socio-economic factors play an important role in marriages. People prefer marrying their sons and daughters within same endogamous groups. It is quite possible that a particular endogamous group, which is dependent on the area and socio-economic class, may have the people from both the religions. Hence marriage between Hindus and Jains is quite possible.

Myth # 12 – It makes no difference whether one is called a Hindu or a Jain.

The Truth – It does make a lot of difference. If so are Hindus willing to be called Jains ? I dont think so. They do not accept Mahavir as their God not our Agamas even equal to Gita or Vedas. It is their prerogative.

It does matter to me as to what I am called or known as. Because it will also define our posterity. Just as Hindus proudly want to be called Hindus, We must take pride in our Jain identity.

Jai Jinendra

Anish Shah

Why we want a Minority Status?

It is really surprising to see the unwarranted opposition for minority status to Jainism, especially by some educated Jains. Apparently this is due to ignorance as to what benefits are likely to accrue to Jain community, if it is provided a minority status. Rather than applauding the efforts of people like Shri Bal Patil for moving Supreme Court, our own people are involved in leg pulling. The issue of minority status for Jains needs to be understood in proper perspective.

At the outset, we need to understand that we don't want minority status for Jains simply for reservations or government grants. The issue and the stakes here are much bigger than that. Jains constitute hardly 1-2 % of the Indian population, but still exercise a strong influence on Indian business, economy and politics. But a minority status for Jains would accrue the following benefits :-

1) Jain religion would be recognised as a separate religion and not an off shoot of Hinduism.

There are so many fundamental differences in religious doctrines of Hindus and Jains that they cannot be considered as same. However there are many Jains who are still suffering from delusion that we are Hindus who followed the path of Bhagwan Mahaveer. While doing Pratikraman, we ask for forgiveness for 25 types of wrong belief (Mithyatva), out of which one of them is - to consider some other path as path of Jainism and to consider Jainism as some other path. Hence to consider Jin marg as part of Hinduism is one type of Mithyatva. Unfortunately, people forget everything as soon as they come out of temples and Sthanak's.

This wrong belief has contributed partly to decline of Jainism through ages. Many Jains are not aware as to what is the real Jin marg! Further, Jainism has been given a raw deal by Right-winger propagandists by insisting that Jainism is part of Hinduism. On the other hand, these right-wingers ignore the contribution of Jains and Jainism in all their literature. The Antiquity and the legacy of Jainism and the Jain kings has been purged from History text books. They don't consider Lord Mahavir as one of their Gods and ignore Jain scriptures and yet insist that Jainism is part Hinduism!

Providing minority status to Jains will ensure that there is an all round awareness that Jainism and Hinduism are different. A Jain will have a distinct identity and he will identify himself as Jain and not as a Hindu or Hindu-Jain.

2) Minority Status would protect our constitutional right to run our own educational institutions. It would ensure autonomy in funding, admissions and management. Often deserving Jain students who score more than 70% cannot get admissions in educational institutions run by Jain trusts because it of other reservations. Majority of Hindus have ensured that they are benefited by reservations. Even upper caste Kshatriyas, Bania Hindus are categorised under OBC's. Muslims, Parsis, Christians, and even Hindus ensure that their children get religious education in schools. Except Jains who depend on Pathshala's. Because most Jains are interested in building temples and Derasars instead of schools and colleges.

3) It will prevent Government from taking control over our religious institutions and temples as slowly we are losing control over religious places. It is necessary to prevent what is happening at Girnarji. Bhagavan Neminatha's charana were established at Girnarji for many thousands of years. Now, Hindus have taken over the 5th and the 3rd hill, thus wiping out extremely important Jain heritage from Gujarat

4) Not all Jains are rich – Jainism creates an image of a rich business man. But not all Jains are rich. Many are poor farmers or traders living in poverty. Some benefit will accrues to them on account of minority status.

5) It is a right enshrined in the constitution – It is likely if you do not exercise your rights, slowly they will go away. Hence it is imperative that we exercise this right to prevent putting us at a disadvantageous position.

All Jains need to understand that the issue at stake is of survival and growth of Jainism. The Minority Status is but a small step in this right direction. If we cannot do anything about this, let us at least encourage others who are doing their bit for Jainism.

Regards

Anish Shah

Jainism is an independent and original religion of ancient India

A lot of debate has been generated on the issue of whether “Jainism is a part of Hinduism” or whether “Minority Status should be given to Jains under Indian Constitution or not?” Many people, Jains and non-jains alike, are harboring misconceptions that Jains are part of Hinduism. The debate generated various statements such as:-

• Jainism is an off-shoot of Hinduism

• Jains are basically Hindus following Jain way of worship.

• Mahavira is the founder of Jainism and was a reformist movement against caste system.

• Hinduism is a way of life and a Culture and not religion, and Jainism and Buddhism come under the umbrella of Hinduism.

This and many other statements were made without any basis and improper understanding of the historical and doctrinal background of Jainism as well as Hinduism.

Hence, the questions that the following begs are:

• What is the basis, which has created an impression that Jainism is part of Hinduism?

• What is Hinduism? Who is a Hindu and who is a Jain? What are the beliefs of Hinduism and how do the beliefs of Jainism compare vis-à-vis Hindu beliefs?

• After comparing the two beliefs, is there actually any way that Jain doctrines can be accommodated under Hinduism or vice versa?

So what has created an impression that Jainism is part of Hinduism?

The culture of Hindus and Jains has been so entwined since ages, that, it has resulted in many common beliefs and practices such as – Ahimsa, Karmic theory, Idol worship, common calendars and tithis etc. Furthermore, many Jain observe (Hindu) fasts on various days and go to temples and celebrate Hindu festivals. They do Havan's, consult astrologers, marry in Hindu style, pray to kuldevis and start any new enterprise with Ganesh Puja. I see many idols of devi/ devta's in Jain temple. So it is not surprising that Hindus consider Jainism as a sect of Hinduism.

However, the main mischief is played by Hindutva ideologues, who have sought to define Hinduism as all inclusive of Jainism and Buddhism. Consider the following two definitions of Hinduism:-

There is a vast land between river Sindhu and Hind Mahasagar called Bharat and those who accept that this is their fatherland or / and a holy land, land of pilgrimage are all Hindu.

- V. D. Savarkar

A Hindu is one who believes in a religion which has originated in India.

- The Hindu Mahasabha

As it can be seen, there is nothing spiritual and intellectual about these definitions. It does not capture the essence and beliefs of Hinduism. It is more of an ideological and a political definition and has done incalculable damage to the unity of India. In one stroke, it seeks of exclude Muslims and Christians from India and seeks to bring Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs into Hindu fold thereby depriving these religions a distinct identity. If we stretch our imagination further and follow this definition, even Japan, Thailand and other Buddhist majority countries will be considered as Hindu countries.

So who is a Hindu and who is a Jain? What are the beliefs of Hinduism and how do the beliefs of Jainism compare vis-à-vis Hindu beliefs?

Jain scriptures elaborately define vows, duties, qualities and attributes of a Jain monk and layman. A person who undertakes five great vows is a Jain Monk and a person who undertakes 12 vows of householder is a Jain Layman.

However, it is difficult to define a Hindu or Hinduism. Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak said - This is worth mentioning that acceptance of the Vedas with reverence, recognition of the fact that the means or ways to salvation are diverse; and realisation of the truth that number of gods to be worship is large, that indeed the distinguishing feature of the Hindu religion. Let us also take, definition of Mahatma Gandhi (Young India in October, 1921), although not comprehensive, but tries to capture the essence of Hinduism and compare the same with Jain beliefs:-

Postulates of Mahatma Gandhi - Why I Am a Hindu ?	Comparative view of Jainism
I believe in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas and all that goes by the name of Hindu scriptures, and therefore in avatars and rebirth.	Jainism does not believe in authority of the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas or the Gita. Jains have their own Agams and Sutras. Hence Jain Scriptures are totally different from that of Hindus.
I believe in the Varnashram dharma in a sense in my opinion strictly Vedic, but not in its present popular and crude sense.	Jainism does not believe in caste system or religious structure based on occupation.
I believe in the protection of the cow in its much larger sense than the popular.	Jainism believes in total Ahimsa or non-violence. Jains believe in protection of not only cows humans and animals, but also of lowliest of lowliest, one sensed beings.
I do not disbelieve in idol-worship.	Some Sects of Jainsim believe in Idol worship and some sects do not. However, the idols are always of a Tirthankar.

A more comprehensive and detailed understanding of Hinduism can be obtained from www.himalayanacademy.com .

Nine Beliefs of Hinduism by http://www.himalayanacademy.com/	Analysis from Jainism point of view
Hindus believe in divinity of the Vedas, the world's most ancient scripture and venerate the agamas as equally revealed. These hymns are God's word and form the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion that has neither a beginning nor an end.	Jains do not believe in authority of Vedas or Hindu Agamas. Jain scriptures (Agamas) are neither divine nor revealed. They are teachings of Tirthankars who are omniscient beings. Jains also do not believe in authority of Bhagvat Gita, Upanishads etc.
Hindus believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.	Jains do not believe in God as an all pervasive supreme being and creator of Universe. Jain gods (Siddhas) are liberated souls who are passionless, free from the endless cycles of birth and death and living in infinite bliss. Moksha is the ultimate aim of all the souls and hence any souls can become siddhas. Further, Jainism does not believe in Avtaravad - descent of God to manhood, but believes in Uttaravad - ascent of man to Godhood.
Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.	Universe is neither created nor destroyed as per Jaina philosophy.
Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause & effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.	Hindus believe in theory of Karma but claim that effects of Karma can be negated by divine grace. Jains on the other hand believe that individual himself causes Karma and through his own efforts may reduce or negate the effects of Karma.
Hindus believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have been resolved, and moksha, spiritual knowledge and liberation from the cycle of rebirth is attained. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of this destiny.	According to Jain philosophy, only those souls have experienced Samyak Darshan can achieve liberation. However abhavya souls can never achieve samyakta or liberation.
Hindus believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that temple worship, rituals, sacraments as well as personal devotionals create a communion with these devas and Gods.	Jains believe worship of Devi Devtas as Mithyatva or false belief. Hence there is no question of temple worship, rituals, sacraments and devotions to these devas and Gods.
Hindus believe that a spiritually awakened master, or satguru, is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry and meditation.	Having Guru is important but not absolutely essential. For eg. Tirthankars do not need Gurus to show them the right path.
Hindus believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice ahimsa, non-injury.	As per Jainism, Ahimsa and non-violence is at its highest and noblest form, where even the one sensed beings are protected
Hindus believe that no particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of God's Pure Love and Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.	Jains believe that Rational Perception, Rational Knowledge and Rational Conduct are the true way towards liberation.

(Note: The above gives only a comparison of Jain beliefs vis-à-vis nine beliefs of Hindus. The comparison does not purport to give a comprehensive philosophy of Jainism. There are many beliefs of Jainism, other that those stated above.)

Thus, the above two comparative analysis from Jain point of view show that Jainism and Hinduism are doctrinally and fundamentally different.

Sects of Hinduism

Three major sects of Hinduism are Saivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism which respectively believe that Shiva, Vishnu and Mother Goddess are the Supreme beings and creators of this universe.

(Refer:- http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Hindu_Sects/id/54164)

Additional cults include Ganapatya (Worship of Ganesha) and Saurya (worship of Surya). All other sects are basically sub-sets of these major sects. How much ever Catholic, liberal, tolerant and elastic Hinduism may be, by no stretch of imagination does Jainism (or for that matter Buddhism and Sikhism) fall under any of the above category.

Conclusion :

By the litmus test of “Dev-Guru-Shastra”, Jainism and Hinduism are two different religions sharing a same culture. The word "Hindu" belongs to the category of words like "Muslim", "Christian", "Buddhist" and "Jain" and not to the category of words like "American", "British", "Indian", "Chinese" or "Japanese". It is a religion based on the Vedic tradition, while Jainism and Buddhism are separate religions based on Sramanic tradition. Both of these traditions have co-existed side by side, influencing each other, and thus creating a great ancient Indian culture. Just as Hindus believe that theirs is a sanatan dharma, Jains believe that Jainism predates Lord Mahavira to Lord Rushabhdeva, the founder of not only Jainism, but entire human civilization. The sooner everyone realizes this truth, the better. Anish Shah